The best CAD software does not exist
When a company starts looking for CAD software, the question almost always comes up the same way:
What is the best software?
SolidWorks? Inventor? Fusion 360? Onshape?
The honest answer is simple: there is no single software that is best in absolutely every situation.
- A self-employed worker designing a few parts for 3D printing does not have the same needs as an industrial machinery manufacturer.
- A three-person startup does not work like an engineering firm managing several hundred projects.
- A company that produces a few prototypes per year does not face the same constraints as a team that must deliver shop drawings every week.
So the right software is not necessarily the one that:
- Has the longest list of features.
- Costs the least.
The right software is the one that truly matches:
- The complexity of your products
- The size of your team
- How you manage files
- The skills available on the market
- Your future needs
That is where the comparison becomes interesting.
Three software packages can do the same thing on paper but deliver a different result in the end. Companies no longer buy their CAD software solely for functionality reasons.
Quick comparison of the main CAD software
| Software | Best suited for | Main advantage | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| SolidWorks | Manufacturing SMEs and mechanical design teams | A complete, widely adopted industrial ecosystem | Higher investment than entry-level solutions |
| Inventor | Companies already integrated into the Autodesk ecosystem | Good continuity with AutoCAD, Vault and Autodesk tools | May require several complementary tools |
| Fusion | Startups, small teams and light manufacturing | CAD, CAM and electronics combined in a single platform | Less suitable for very complex mechanical assemblies |
| Onshape | Distributed teams and remote collaboration | Simultaneous work and built-in version management | Runs entirely in the browser and in the cloud |
| FreeCAD | Individuals, learning and simple needs | Free and open source | More complex deployment, support and standardization in a business setting |
Fusion 360 is a growing solution worldwide due to its low cost.
However, many companies start with this solution and then switch to more advanced CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Inventor or Onshape.
For more details on Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks, please refer to the following article: SolidWorks vs Fusion 360
Onshape is a cloud-based CAD software that was recently acquired by publisher PTC.
It is becoming an option of choice for industrial companies that do not require hardware costs (computer, server).
We also studied the comparison in detail: SolidWorks vs Onshape
SolidWorks in Quebec: for what type of company?
SolidWorks is particularly well suited to companies that design machines, industrial equipment, mechanical assemblies, sheet metal parts or welded structures.
For a manufacturing SME, its main advantages are:
- A complete mechanical design environment;
- A strong presence in the industry;
- A large pool of designers who are already trained;
- Solutions for simulation and data management;
- Accessible support in Quebec (several resellers available in the country)
SolidWorks is not always the least expensive solution, but it often becomes relevant as projects grow in complexity.
How can you get a recommendation tailored to your company?
A CAD software comparison helps you better understand the market, but it does not replace an analysis of your needs.
The right choice depends on your current projects, your working methods and your growth objectives.
Are you hesitating between SolidWorks, Fusion, Inventor or Onshape?
Kotona Vision supports Quebec companies in selecting, purchasing and deploying their CAD software.
Tell us about your projects and receive a recommendation tailored to your company.